DoorDash couriers struggle to secure COVID sick pay, get back to work during Omicron surge

DoorDash driver Chris Lewis poses with his car in Long Beach, California, U.S. January 31, 2022. Picture taken January 31, 2022. REUTERS/David Swanson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A COVID-assistance policy at DoorDash Inc is frustrating some couriers who told Reuters the food-delivery company sidelined them for as long as a month while infections caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus flared, costing them much needed income.

DoorDash rolled out its COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program in March 2020, offering a driver who tests positive for COVID, or whose housemate tests positive, a one-time payment equal to their average earnings over the previous two weeks.